Play park funding 'a conversation for the future'

The politician leading a project to create a play strategy for Jersey says it is not yet known how any new facilities would be funded.

Deputy Malcolm Ferey, Assistant Minister for Children and Families, was working on a study, which aimed to provide play areas in all 12 parishes, admitting some play equipment was "tired" and needed "revamping.".

Families had recently welcomed two new playgrounds in Parade Gardens, opened by the Parish of St Helier, but some have called for similar facilities elsewhere in the island.

Deputy Ferey said once the play strategy was finalised "the money will follow," but specifics around funding were part of a "conversation for future years."

Meanwhile, some parish authorities have already looked at how to improve facilities, but have previously warned that it could result in parish rate rises.

Constable of St Brelade, Mike Jackson, said he was "very keen" to upgrade the Elephant Park's toilet block and play equipment, adding that the parish needed to "do something much better" for children.

"The funds have to be raised from parishioners through their rates, so I have to get their agreement for any expenditure.

"At the moment, I'm working on trying to raise sufficient funds to be able to put all that into fruition."

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